Temple Hangars: The new Northern Rivers stay unlike other cabins

The boutique retreat breaking the mould for luxury stays.

More than eight years ago, local couple Alita and Lawrence Temple officially opened their 13-guest farmhouse on 30 hectares in Nashua, a hinterland town in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Since then, the property has evolved into one of the region’s most sought-after stays.

As demand grew over the years, expansion plans naturally followed. But rather than simply adding more rooms, the vision evolved into something deeper: accommodation designed to complement the landscape rather than compete with it. The result is Temple Hangars, a collection of four bespoke suites that officially opened to guests in June this year.

Introducing Temple Hangars

Built in collaboration with local construction company J&E Projects and Byron-based interiors firm Studio Haus Co, the four Temple Hangars are distinct in design but aligned in purpose.

Temple Hangars in Nashua, NSW — The hangars were designed in collaboration with local businesses. (Credit: Jessie Prince)

Architectural decisions were guided by the belief that buildings should settle naturally and age gracefully, with each hangar orientated to capture sweeping valley views while maintaining complete privacy.

Other shared design features include large skylights for ample natural lighting, insulated steel for noise reduction and the absence of any side windows, which draws attention outward rather than across the property. All four suites feature a king-sized bed with soft linens, separate bathroom with freestanding tub and private outdoor courtyard.

But beyond these common threads, each suite has been conceived as an individual retreat with its own personality. Booyong is defined by its rich palette of timber, stone and steel that feel unapologetically Australian, complete with a wood-burning fireplace inside and a cosy outdoor fire pit in the courtyard.

Described by Alita as the feminine hangar, Pepperberry features soaring vaulted ceilings and softly curved walls that create an elegant and romantic atmosphere. Guests will love unwinding by the external hanging fireplace, complemented by native gardens and a natural pond.

Richly layered and moody, Sassafras blends Japanese-style influences with lush planting and sculptural furniture. Perfect for special occasions, the space is anchored by a suspended fireplace and cosy kitchenette with coffee facilities.

Completing the collection is Coolamon, with its Nordic simplicity, pale timbers and clean architectural lines that invoke a deep sense of calm. The suite is fully wheelchair accessible, including its outdoor fire pit, rain shower and freestanding bathtub.

The thoughtful touches extend to even the smallest of details, with all four hangars showcasing bespoke pieces by Australian makers and artists. From handmade ceramics to original artworks, much of the decor has been sourced through long-standing relationships that support local creatives and craftspeople.

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Beyond the suites

While each hangar has been designed as a private sanctuary, the guest experience extends well beyond their walls. At the heart of the property, an open-air pavilion built from reclaimed timber and stone houses an outdoor kitchen, complete with cooking and barbecue facilities.

For those seeking a little indulgence, a cedar hot tub and sauna provide the perfect excuse to switch off completely. Elsewhere, native gardens alive with seasonal blooms and an abundance of birdlife make a leisurely stroll almost irresistible.

Perhaps best of all, how you spend your stay at Temple Hangars is entirely up to you. If you’re keen to get out and explore, the Northern Rivers region is full of hidden gems, from charming hinterland villages to a bounty of swimming holes and waterfalls.

You may not feel the need to leave at all, instead opting to make the most of your private retreat and its peaceful surrounds. Whether that’s curling up with a book in your private courtyard, sipping a local wine by the fireplace or simply watching the changing light roll across the hinterland, guests are encouraged to embrace the slower pace.

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The details

Location

Temple Hangars is located in Nashua, a small hinterland town in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, around a 30-minute drive from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

How many people does it sleep?

The collection comprises four one-bedroom suites that sleep up to two guests, available for a minimum two-night stay. Each hangar can be booked individually or reserved exclusively for group stays, which also includes the 13-guest Temple Farmhouse.

How much does a stay cost?

Rates vary depending on the season and suite type selected.

With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

Where the vines tell a story

A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food. — Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

At the table

A flat lay of a steak. — Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

From the source

A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish. — Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

Mark your calendar

A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith. — Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.

Sleep in a luxury hangar at this exclusive stay in the Northern Rivers

The boutique retreat breaking the mould for luxury stays.

Introducing Temple Hangars

Beyond the suites